Introduction
As stated in previous chapters, the critical stress state (CSS) design method is based on linear–elastic or permissible-stress principles. The beam design is considered to comply with AS 3600–2009 (the Standard) requirements only if its strength satisfies
Before proceeding to develop the formulas for Mu, the following observations are made:
• The behaviour of prestressed beam at ultimate is similar to its reinforced counterpart.
• Assumptions made for reinforced beams in Section 3.3.1 are also valid for prestressed beams.
• The stress–strain curves and allied properties of prestressing and reinforcing steel are as given in Figure 17.1(1).
• The rectangular stress block as defined in Figure 3.3(3) is a valid equivalent to the actual stress distribution of concrete at ultimate.
• A prestressed section fails when εc = 0.003.
Cracking moment (MCR)
Formula
For the prestressed beam shown in Figure 17.2(1), the beam would crack if the bottom-fibre tensile stress reached the flexural tensile strength of concrete.
Based on Equation 15.3(8), and under the prestress force H at eB from the neutral axis (NA), the compressive bottom-fibre stress after loss may be written as
Thus, the cracking moment
where as per Equation 2.2(2) and η is the effective prestress coefficient.
Illustrative example
To demonstrate the application of Equation 17.2(2), an example is given below.
Using the information given for the beam detailed in Section 15.8, what is Mcr, assuming
Solution
From Section 15.8, we know:
• ZB = 20.68 × 108/250 = 8.272 × l06 mm3
• ηH = 0.85 × 667500 = 567375 N
• eB = 175.5 mm
• A = 72.5 × l03 mm2